Bioluminescence: Hard to Say, Lovely to See

June 23, 2023 – From June to September something magical happens in the Indian River Lagoon. When you paddle your kayak out into the dark of night the water beneath your boat comes alive with millions of tiny creatures that glow an eerie light. Stir them up with your hand, or watch as mullet jump and get them excited. Don’t worry, bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon (kind of like lightning bugs) and it’s well worth seeing for yourself.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, near Titusville, is a great place to put a kayak in the water, and if you don’t want to go it alone, there are plenty of local tour operators who will take care of all the details, so all you have to do is propel your kayak and enjoy the view.

And if you’re lucky enough to time your adventure for when there is a night launch of a rocket from the cape, you will certainly have some fantastic memories from your nocturnal escapade.

You may want to put in when it’s still light to see if you spot alligators, dolphins, flocks of migratory birds or possibly even a manatee. These gentle creatures have been known to playfully bump the bottom of kayaks to say hello.

But don’t miss the chance to see bio, if you can. It’s one of nature’s most interesting shows.